How to Email a GIF

Send that perfect ounce of happiness in GIF form

Man wearing glasses and using his computer while laughing

Hero Images/Getty Images

by Brenna Miles
Brenna Miles is a freelance technology writer with a B.A. in Business Management and HR Management. She's been writing about technology for 6+ years.
Updated January 31, 2019

There's no better way to lighten up that business email than by using an animated GIF. Gmail, Outlook, and Yahoo all allow you to email a GIF. Here's how.

How to Email a GIF Using Gmail

Before you get started, you'll need to find that perfect GIF to email. Once you do that, you're ready to get started using Gmail.

Although GIFs viewed on the Gmail mobile app will be animated, you can't send GIFs using the mobile app.

There are two main ways to insert a GIF into a Gmail. You can simply copy and paste the GIF's webpage link or you can upload a GIF from your computer.

Upload a GIF

To upload a GIF saved on your computer, simply select the Insert Photo icon, then select Upload. You can upload your GIF from here, inserting it into the body of your email.

Copy and Paste GIF Link

  1. First, open Gmail, then select Compose.

  2. Next, find your desired GIF. Once located, you'll need the GIFs link to copy into Gmail.

    Most links will be called a GIF link. If you're stuck, notice the links that have media in the front of the URL.

  3. Copy your GIFs link.

    Screenshot of Giphy link screen on desktop

  4. Return to your email and select the Insert Photo icon in the bottom toolbar. Then, select Web Address (URL).

  5. Paste your GIF link into the field. Gmail will show you an animated preview of your image. If everything looks good, select Insert.

    Screenshot of GIF in Gmail email on desktop

    To resize your GIF, select the GIF and use the blue cursor to make it smaller or larger.

  6. Viola! Your GIF is ready to be sent.

How to Send a GIF Using Outlook

Sending a GIF through Outlook is quite similar to sending one through Gmail. To get started, open Outlook on your computer.

  1. Once Outlook is open, seelct New Email to start composing.

    Screenshot of Outlook email screen

  2. In the top ribbon, select Pictures, then choose Picture from File.

  3. Find your GIF, then select Insert.

    Screenshot of Outlook email with GIF

    GIFs entered into Outlook on desktop will not animate. GIFs are not supported as of yet and will appear as static images.

  4. Your Outlook email is ready to send!

How to Email a GIF Using Yahoo Mail

Yahoo makes it incredibly easy to send GIFs using their built-in GIF tool. You can also drag and drop your favorite GIF using their in-line photo capabilities.

Using Yahoo's GIF Tool

  1. To find a GIF using the Yahoo tool, open Yahoo mail, then select Compose to start a new email.

    Screenshot of Yahoo email on desktop

  2. In the bottom toolbar, select the GIF icon. Here, you'll find a collection of popular GIFs.

    Screenshot of Yahoo GIF tool on desktop

    You can choose from these popular GIFs or search for your own using the search field.

  3. Once you find the perfect GIF, select it to insert it into your email.

    Screenshot of GIF in Yahoo email on desktop

  4. There you have it! Your GIF is ready to be sent.

Using Yahoo's Drag and Drop Feature

  1. Select Compose to start a new email.

  2. Find your GIF on your computer and drag and drop it into the body of the email.

    Screenshot of GIF in Yahoo email on desktop

    GIF not animated? Make sure it's a .gif file.

  3. That's it!